United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has voiced serious concern over what he describes as the excessive use of force by Iranian authorities against anti-government protesters, following reports that hundreds of people have been killed.
An Iranian human rights organisation claims it has verified close to 500 deaths, with many others reportedly injured or arrested during the unrest.
Protests have spread across Iran since last month, largely driven by growing economic hardship and public frustration. Guterres has called for restraint, particularly amid reports that the United States is weighing possible military action in response to the situation.
In a statement, the UN chief stressed that Iranians must be allowed to express their grievances peacefully and without fear. He underscored that the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, as guaranteed under international law, must be respected and protected.
Meanwhile, rights groups continue to warn that the death toll among demonstrators is rising. Reports that the US administration is considering military options have drawn sharp warnings from Iran’s leadership, cautioning that any miscalculation could lead to US interests in the region being targeted.
Guterres also urged Iranian authorities to restore access to information, calling for the lifting of internet restrictions and communication blackouts imposed during the unrest.
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